Timbers 0, Real Salt Lake 3. The Timbers have lost every match they have played at altitude this season 0-3, twice against Colorado Rapids and once against Real Salt Lake.

They showed against San Jose on Wednesday, as they did against New York Red Bulls a month earlier, that when they have a mind to they have the potential to cause an upset. The attacking components of this team are coming together. I loved watching Franck Songo'o as he skipped through two tackles to put Danny Mwanga through for his second goal against the 'Quakes. Unfortunately, when the Timbers go into defensive mode they cede the attacking initiative to the opposition with disastrous results, as we saw in the 92nd minute.

I doubt if Chara or Boyd will be fit to play at the Rio Tinto Stadium. I'd like to see Sal Zizzo start and see if he can build on the chemistry he has going with Songo'o, Nagbe and Dike.

The counter attack approach has been working for us recently. If we can sneak a couple of goals early we might stand a chance of a result. The altitude will come into play at some point. I'd say the later the better as far as our chances of taking away points goes.

Timbers 2, Real Salt Lake 2. I've been reviewing my notes about Real Salt Lake and the Timbers current run of play, and as like with San Jose, I originally thought this match would be a big loss for the Timbers. Well, we obviously know what happened in San Jose when Portland ambushed the Earthquakes to get two goals but couldn't hold on for the win, and so against every bit of logic and facts I am reading about here, I'm going to call this match another draw. While this result still leaves Portland searching for their first road win of 2012, a road trip to San Jose and Salt Lake City with no losses would be an incredible accomplishment.

It won't be an easy task, however, especially after the emotionally draining match in San Jose. We don't know the extent of the injury to Kris Boyd to his groin, and although some groups have been saying Diego Chara might be available for Saturday, I just don't see it after how much he was struggling to get off the pitch against Seattle.

Boyd's injury meant Bright Dike played over 70 minutes on Wednesday, and I'd expect to see him up top again paired with Danny Mwanga. We will also probably see other familiar names return to the starting lineup, like Sal Zizzo and Kosuke Kimura as well. While Portland didn't play well against RSL during their last visit, the Timbers did draw here in 2011 and they've played this group very well in most meetings, so there's history that this could be a close match.

The downside for Portland is that they are facing a relatively rested and healthy RSL side. They played a CONCACAF Champions League match on Sept. 18 in Panama, but they were coming off an extended break prior to that in the MLS schedule. While Alvaro Saborio appears to be out for the next few weeks, most of their other big guns will be available, such as Fabian Espindola, Kyle Beckerman and his fabulous hair, Nat Borchers and Nick Rimando. With a nationwide audience on NBC Sports Channel and RSL currently in fourth in the Western Conference but only 2 points behind Seattle and tied with Los Angeles with 46 points, a win against Portland would mean something for their playoff hopes. I don't expect them to go lightly against Portland, but I also believe Portland isn't going to sit back either. With both teams pressing, that's the recipe for either a big win for one side or a draw because of wide open play, and I'm picking the latter.

Timbers fans, share your final score predictions and how you think this match will play out in the comments below.